The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) evacuated its environmental services laboratory building on W. Main Street in Jefferson City on Tuesday morning following a chemical release.
The department's environmental emergency responders and local emergency responders oversaw the evacuation and cleanup at the department's Environmental Services Program.
The chemical release occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. when a vial containing between 250 to 500 milliliters of ethylenediamine broke.
The department's laboratory uses the chemical preservative during the drinking water sample analysis process to extend sample holding times. DNR officials said the laboratory took proper precautions by implementing the department's Environmental Service Program's emergency action plan.
The department handles numerous chemicals in its laboratory on a daily basis and routinely practices its emergency procedures.
The laboratory facility is specifically designed to handle chemical releases that could occur during the testing process. Therefore, the fumes were contained to the immediate room where the incident occurred.
The department's emergency responders partnered with Jefferson City Fire Department and Cole County HazMat team to assess and oversee the cleanup.
The building was cleared around noon today and employees were allowed to return to the building, no injuries occurred.